Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Director, Data Science, Computational Oncology

Merck & Co, Inc • $159K — $251K *
Boston, MA 02115In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in quantitative STEM field with relevant experience; MS with 8+ years; or BS with 12+ years.
  • Passion for using computational methods to solve oncology and cancer genomics problems.
  • Deep experience analyzing and interpreting large-scale NGS datasets.
  • Strong statistical foundation with machine learning application experience.
  • Technical skills in R/Python, version control, and cloud platforms like AWS.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze large-scale oncology datasets to uncover disease biology and drug action mechanisms.
  • Evaluate functional genomics screens to establish target dependency and mechanisms of action.
  • Nominate drug combinations based on thorough evidence evaluation across disease areas.
  • Integrate multi-omics data using machine learning and statistical methods for robust conclusions.
  • Utilize deep learning for various genomic analysis challenges.
  • Employ modern AI tools to enhance analysis processes and establish routine use.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reproducible research standards.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement supporting flexibility.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Engagement in a collaborative and innovative research environment.
  • Involvement in impactful research that contributes to cancer understanding and treatment.
  • Access to modern technologies and methodologies in data science.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Associate Director of Data Science, Computational Oncology (R4)

Translational Genome Analytics (TGA) / Data, AI and Genome Sciences (DAGS)

Location: Boston, MA (hybrid)

The Data, AI and Genome Sciences (DAGS) department seeks a talented data scientist with a strong quantitative and statistical foundation to join our Translational Genome Analytics (TGA) team in Boston, MA. In this role, you will bring rigorous statistics, machine learning, and modern AI to large, complex multi-omics and functional genomics datasets to understand the molecular basis of cancer and to nominate targets and biomarkers across our research portfolio. You will work closely with computational, AI and ML, and experimental colleagues to turn data into decisions that move programs forward. We are especially interested in scientists with a strong oncology and cancer genomics background who can also analyze functional genomics screens, so you can support target nomination and the broader discovery portfolio from both directions.

You are an independent scientist who takes an open-ended question and carries it through to a clear answer, and who thrives in a highly collaborative discovery environment.

In This Exciting Role, You Will
  • Analyze large-scale oncology datasets, including bulk RNA-seq, whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing (WES/WGS), and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), to understand disease biology and the mechanisms of disease progression and drug action.
  • Analyze functional genomics and perturbational screens, including pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens and Perturb-seq, from QC and hit calling through biological interpretation, to establish target dependency and mechanism for programs across therapeutic areas.
  • Nominate and prioritize drug combinations for both oncology and immunology disease areas by weighing expression profiling, disease biology, mechanistic and functional-genomics evidence, and the competitive landscape together, and bring that evidence to program teams across the portfolio.
  • Apply rigorous statistics and integrate multi-omics and functional genomics data with prior biological knowledge, using network-based and machine learning approaches, to reach robust conclusions and a coherent picture of target and pathway biology.
  • Apply deep learning and single-cell foundation models to problems such as cell-type deconvolution, batch integration, patient stratification, and perturbation-response prediction.
  • Use modern AI, including LLM-based agents and retrieval over internal data, to accelerate evidence synthesis and analysis, and help bring these tools into routine, well-validated use.
  • Draw on human and real-world data to inform and reverse-translate discovery hypotheses, connecting preclinical findings to patient biology.
  • Collaborate closely across disciplines, including experimental scientists, AI and ML and data science teams, software engineers, and program teams, and set a high bar for reproducible, well-documented research that supports Discovery Oncology.


Minimum Requirements
  • A PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, genetics/genomics, computational biology, mathematics, computer science, biophysics, computational chemistry or a related quantitative STEM discipline and 0+ years of relevant experience; MS and 8+ years of relevant experience; OR BS and 12+ years of relevant experience.
  • A passion for solving problems in oncology and cancer genomics through computational methods, with a consistent focus on detail and execution.
  • Deep experience analyzing and biologically interpreting large-scale NGS datasets (bulk RNA-seq, WES/WGS, scRNA-seq), including experimental design, QC, and building analyses where no standard pipeline exists, and integrating multiple omics layers with prior biological knowledge.
  • A strong statistical foundation, spanning hypothesis testing, regression and mixed models, survival analysis, and dimensionality reduction, with sound judgment about confounding, batch effects, and multiple comparisons, and a track record of applying machine learning to biological data with judgment about where it adds value and where simpler methods suffice.
  • Strong technical skills, including R or Python, version control (Git), and Linux, with hands-on experience across cloud and data platforms such as AWS (S3), Nextflow, Databricks, and Posit.
  • Familiarity with major cancer genomics resources, such as TCGA, GTEx, CCLE, CPTAC, and DepMap.
  • A collaborative working style and excellent oral and written communication skills.


Preferred Experience and Skills
  • A Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, Genetics, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Post-doctoral or relevant industry experience in cancer genomics or computational oncology, with a deep understanding of cancer biology and current research trends.
  • Substantial computational experience with functional genomics data, including CRISPR screen hit-calling frameworks, library design, optical or single-cell screens, and image-based phenotypic profiling.
  • Experience applying or fine-tuning foundation models for single-cell or genomic data, and an interest in developing agentic AI and LLM-powered tools for biological analysis.
  • Network-based analysis of gene regulatory patterns and signaling pathways from NGS data.
  • A strong publication record.


Travel

Up to 10% travel is required.

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:
Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Cancer Genomics, CRISPR-Cas System, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Visualization, Genomics, Machine Learning (ML), Omics, Oncology, Stakeholder Relationship Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Job Posting End Date:
10/5/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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